Educate snowmobilers to cut avalanche deaths: panel

A B.C. Coroners Service review panel is calling for greater avalanche awareness within the snowmobiling community, after the deaths of 19 snowmobilers last winter.

The panel, which was put together to study the high number of avalanche fatalities, found that in many of those deaths the individuals involved underestimated avalanche risks.

The panel said modern snowmobiles are allowing riders to access more complex terrain than ever before, but that snowmobilers aren't prepared to deal with the difficult snow conditions.

The 16-member panel which was made up of avalanche and tourism sector experts made 15 recommendations, including:

• Develop and deliver an avalanche awareness program in B.C. similar to the Government of Alberta's Snowmobile Outreach Program.
• Distribute avalanche awareness materials at locations where operators register their snowmobiles in B.C. and Alberta.
• Increase the coverage and frequency of avalanche forecasts.
• Develop an avalanche terrain classification for popular snowmobiling areas.
• Snowmobile user groups form a joint committee and work with the Canadian Avalanche Centre to raise avalanche awareness and cultivate a culture of avalanche safety within the snowmobiling community.
• Continue the development of the avalanche signage policy.

A total of 24 avalanche deaths were recorded in B.C. last winter, with the other five involving skiers and snowboarders.